Method of photography of a race



L. E. BERND June 15, 1954 METHOD OF PHOTOGRAPHY OF A RACE Filed Jan. 8,1952 INVENTOR lesierflfierzzd ATTORNEY Patented June 15, 1954 UNITEDSTATE 2,680,991 METHOD OF PHOTQGRAPHY OF A RACE Lester E. Bernd, Wellsto The Delaware Ste Wilmington, Del,

ciation, Delaware sley Hills, Mass, assignor eplechase and Race Assoacorporation of 2 Claims.

This invention relates to a method of recording on motion picture film aracing event, such as a horse race, particularly those portions thereofincluding the backstretch, and the homestretch straightaway to thefinish line, and possibly all other portions of the track. Morespecifically, the invention relates to a method wherein synchronouslyrun cameras obtain a side and front view of the race from the quarterpole to the finish line, and also on the straightaway on thebackstretch, and possibly on other portions of the track, provisionbeing made for simultaneously and synchronously projecting thephotographs so synchronously taken, side by side upon a movie screen. Inthis way, a complete analysis or" the race upon permanent film is easilyrecorded for full inspection by the judges only a few minutes after arace has been run.

t has been the practice in the past to employ the use of patrol judgesinterspersed at given intervals around the track, each of which, withthe use of binoculars and mainly by personal observation, obtains arelatively close view of the race at that portion of track nearest them.Often these patrol judges are located at definite spaced points, such.as at each one-eighth of a mile. The purpose of such oificials is totake notice of any rule infraction, violation, or improper handlingcommitted by jockeys or contestants which may be cause fordisqualification of the respective horse, or other official ruling.These patrol judges, as is well known, report such violation to those incharge of the race who determine the penalties to be rendered. It isobvious that by the use or" patrol judges to personally observe aportion of the race whether it be on the straightaways or around thecurved portions of the track, reliance is placed mainly upon thepersonal observation of these individuals and, therefore, subject toerrors due purely to the human element.

t is apparent also that, for an explicit and exact determination of anyrule infraction or foul, a view of the race must be simultaneously hadfrom both a frontal and side position, since in certain instances, afoul observed from the side may not be visible from the front and viceversa a foul visible from the front may not be seen from a sideposition.

Although the use of photographs in recording race results, and indetermining the winner of a race by photo finish, when the question isclose, has long been known; and while film patrol cameras on towers fora running motion picture of the race have also been known at quite a fewtracks, heretofore there has been no method devised by whichsynchronized photographs taken from front and side, at positions givingthe optimum view, are so coordinated as to permit recording on a stripof film which enables explicit and exact definition, and which enablesprecise detection of any improper behavior of the contestants. It is,therefore, a primary object of my invention to provide a method whichenables simultaneous photographing on motion picture film of the frontand side view of a race throughout the homestretch straightaway and pastthe finish line, and on other portions of the track, in such manner thatpractically eliminates the human element, applying to observation ofrule infractions, violations, or contestant performance. A proper andaccurate determination of any decision as to these matters involving theparticipants can, therefore, be made by the stewards with the use of myinvention which I call the Two-Way Project.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a method wherebya single cameraman is in complete control of two cameras located atrespective side and frontal positions in order that each or such camerasis accurately started and stopped with the other with split-secondtiming, thereby insuring at any given moment a true side and frontpicture of the race.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a method wherebyerrors in the reporting of rule infractions by patrol judges or otherindividuals are eliminated, reliance being placed upon the efficiencyofmechanical observation of the race in addition to or in lieu ofpersonal observation by any number of such individuals as patrol judges,inspectors, stewards, or other race oflicials.

In addition, a further objective of this invention is to provide amethod whereby motion pictures taken from the front and side in themanner stated are synchronously projected side by side upon a commonscreen whereby at any given instance the race from quarter pole tofinish line or other portions of the track so photographed, may bereviewed in such manner as to impart a picture approximating to theobserver a thirddimensional view.

These objectives and advantages of the novel method of this inventionwill be more readily understood from the following description thereoftaken in connection with the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic View of a race track showing the respectivepositions of the two cameras utilized and the control connectionstherefor;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of two motion picture projectorssynchronously projecting a side and front view of the race at any givenmoment upon a movie screen.

It is to be understood that although thesediagrammatic views relateparticularly to application of the invention to the homestretchstraightaway, from about the quarter pole to the finish line, this isfor illustrative purposes only, as the 3 invention, utilizing similarcamera control, is equally applicable and operative with respect to anyother portions of the track.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, it will be seen that a racetracl: i of usual oval configuration, having a finish line as indicated,distance divider poles as also indicated and entering chutes at oppositeends thereof, subject to the view of two cameras 2 and 4. It has beenfound that the camera designated 2 is most ideally located at arelatively high position, here being placed at one end of thegrandstand, a short distance towards the quarter poie (meaning adistance of a quarter of a mile from the finish line). Actually, thepreferred position of this camera is near the one-eighth pole (meaning adistance of of a mile from the finish line). This is most favorable fort e panning of this camera from quarter pole to finish line. The secondcamera l is positioned at a similarly sufiiciently high elevation toobtain a clear view of the track and at the opposite end thereof whereit takes a picture centel-ed down the straightaway toward the quarterpole.

Both of these cameras are provided with synchronous motors t and 8. Ithas been found that a 16 mm. camera equipped with a 110 volt, 60 cyclesynchronous motor is desirable as the type of equipment to be used withthe method comprising this invention. For driving these two cameras, acommon electric source is utilized indicated in Figure 1. This source iscomprised of two main lines LI and L2, both of which lead to therespective motors B and 8. Both of these motors are in parallel circuitwith each other, thereby assuring simultaneous control of the same. Allprecautions must be taken to assure that the current delivered to eachof these cameras is of full voltage and of exact cycle in order thansynchronism of the two cameras is mechanically accomplished withoutfailure. Any type of synchronous motor is suitable, however, the purposeand operation of such devices being well known in the art.

In the positions of the two cameras, it will be noted that camera 2,having a view of at least the are A, Figure 1, by such view obtains aclear picture of the track commencing at the quarter pole. This camerais adapted to pan or follow the subjects until it reaches the positionidentified by the are E which intersects, or may, if desirable, goslightly past, the finish line. in contrast to the motion imparted tocamera 2 by the operator as the race is panned from the quarter pole tothe finish line, camera l is preferably maintained in relativelyposition as indicated, having a View approximating the size of the areindicated at C. Thus, camera 4 obtains a full view of the straightawayfrom the quarter pole to a position well past the finish line; in otherwords, a front view of the oncoming horses or contestants from thequarter pole to the finish line.

At a point indicated at dotted line DD, camera 2 is exactly at rightangles to the track and would obtain a true broadside or side view ofthe race. I have found it preferable to locate camera 2 at the positionindicated, or spaced a short distance towards the quarter pole from thefinish line, there being a sufficient transverse view from either sideof point D-D to the finish line to obtain the desired purposes of theinvention. It is known that a great many fouls originate between thequarter pole or a A slight distance past the quarter pole and the finishline, and that at the finish line, behavior of the contestants iscritical. Therefore, camera 2, located in this position, obtains amaximum coverage of that area.

The operators of these cameras are professional cameramen having theability to keep the race in constant focus in the designated area fromthe quarter pole to the finish line, and similarly, if required, onother portions of the track. One of these operators, preferably theoperator of camera 4, is in complete control of both cameras, insofar asactuation of timing of the cameras be concerned. Thus, as soon as thisoperator views the race as it progresses towards and past the quarterpole, he places both cameras in operation. This control of both camerasis obtained by this operator means of a switch l0, hereindiagrammatically illustrated, which is so placed as to be within easyreach of the operator of camera Switch it breaks the parallel circuit toboth cameras and, when closed, both cameras are simultaneously actuatedin parallel circuit for the film recording of the race.

A few moments prior to the actual running, of the race, each man loadshis camera with film and places a sync mark, or a mark enablingsynchronization of the film, on that portion or frame of the film whichlies behind the lens. This sync mark may be made by means of an ordinarylead pencil or in any other suitable manner which will readily indicatethe frame at which the initial picture of the film is taken. As thehorses reach a predetermined point nearing the top of the stretchcontaining the finish line, the man in the controlling position ofcamera 5 turns both cameras on simultaneously by means of theaforementioned electrical switch. It is thus obvious that both camerascommence operation at a predetermined and marked frame. At that time,both operators commence to aim and pan their respective cameras untilthe horses have crossed the finish line at which time the operator ofcamera l throws the switch off. A convenient warning signal, such as abuzzer system or telephone, may be flashed to operator of camera 2 byoperator of camera 4 just prior to the latters placing the two camerasin operation.

After the pictures have been taken in the manner described, the film istransported to the processing laboratory, located in the paddock. Thefilm is then processed as rapidly as possible in order that the picturesmay be used to aid the stewards and judges in making a declslon in caseof a subsequent inquiry, objection 1' close question. It has been foundthat these films may be processed in approximately five and one-halfminutes from the time the pictures enter the machine, and, accordingly,within this short time, the results of the photography are available tothe interested ofiicials.

The two films are then placed in two projectors and iii for viewing uponthe usual type of screen it. Both pictures are projected on the screenadjacent each other and close together. The films are set in. theprojectors with each of the syn marks respectively placed the firstframe to show in each projector. In other words, the sync marked framesare placed behind the respective projector lenses. In this manner, thefilms are coordinated at the beginning of projection thereof. The twofilms are kept in synchronism throughout the showing thereof by drivingthe two projectors i 2 and it by a common drive shaft ll. It is apparentthat this type of synchronism is entirely mechanical and assures againstfailure of synchronization so far as projection of the film beconcerned. Thus, with the projectors in operation, the resultant imageson the screen are a side View of the race from quarter pole to finishline on one side of the screen, and a head-on view of the race fromquarter pole to finish line on the other side of the screen.

With respect to synchronization during taking of the pictures, it hasbeen found that the two cameras 2 and 4 will not difier in totalpictures exposed by more than three frames. The average length of filmused in each camera is approximately seventeen feet. There being fortypictures per foot of 16 mm. film, this would mean that each cameraphotographs six-hundredeighty individual pictures. Cameras of the typepreferred in the practice f this invention operate at twenty-four framesper second which means that each picture is taken at one-fiftieth partof a second. Inasmuch as hors racing, in general, is timed at one-fifthof a second, this type of motion picture coverage will assure adequateprecision with regard to the time element.

It will be seen by the practice of the foregoin method that whereaspreviously purely visual observations of the race were ofiicially fromthe stewards stand, or from the viewpoint of the patrol judges in theirtowers, it was possible for inaccuracies to result and injustice to bedone in certain instances. By the practice of the instant invention,mechanical recordation of the races is assured during whatever sectionor sections of the races are to be examined. Thus in the event of thestewards, or judges, decision bein questioned, recourse may be had tothe viewing of the precisely synchronized film of the race which willaccurately and explicitly enable the oiiicials to arrive at a correctdecision, and avoid an incorrect decision. The advantage of thisinvention is that either layman or expert is given an actual view of therace as if viduals. This invention actually enables one person to viewthese two scenes on a screen at one time. In eifect, what is being shownon that screen is a third dimensional view providing for a method ofrecording a race in such manner that it is practically impossible tooverlook a foul, or to arrive at other than an accurate decision as tothe proper winner. The synchronous camera technique as exhibited by myinvention is unique over previous systems of judging or filming races,and has been found most efifective in settlin disputes as to a timelapse, or a distance lapse. This technique enables race oficials torefer to the motion picture films without any fear of a difference ofany time between shots, enabling the officials in the confines of aprivate projection room to see a rerun of the race as it actuallyhappened. The result is to afford the officials a two-way view bothclear and sufiicient, to become evidence on which to base theirjudgments.

As many variations are possible within the scope of this invention,notably its application to various portions of the track, I do notintend the same to be limited in any manner except as defined by theappended claims.

What I claim is:

1. The method of recordin and reproducing a racing event about a trackcomprising the use of seen by two indiseparate motion picture camerasmounted on stationary bases, said cameras being spaced from each otherapproximately one quarter of a mile, each of said cameras being focusedtoward an identical section of track but from a different angle, exactlysynchronizing said cameras by placing a synchronous marking on the firstframe of the respective films to be used in each camera, placing theframes having the respective marl:- ings before the lens of each cameraused, simultaneously actuating both cameras through a com mon control,said cameras being in parallel circuit, taking a first motion picturefrom a point enabling viewing the finish line to quarter pole section ofthe track from above and the side thereof, takin a second motion pictureor" the same event at the same time so that the film in both cameras issimultaneously exposed, said second motion picture being taken at theend of said track opposite said quarter pole for an end view of theevent down the straightaway, simultaneously stoppin both cameras througha common control, said cameras being positioned so as to take pictureson lines of sight approximately right angularly to each other, andsimultaneously projecting both motion pictures by placing the frameshaving said synchronism marking before the lens of each respectiveprojector and simultaneously actuating the respective projectors.

2. The method of recordin and reproducing a racing event about a trackcomprising the use of separate stationary motion picture cameras spacingsaid cameras from each other a distance of approximately one-half thelength of said track, each of said cameras being focused at the samespace of said track but at a difierent angle thereto, synchronizing saidcameras by placing a synchronism markin on the first frame of therespective films to be used in each camera, placing the respectivemarkings before the lens of each camera used, positioning said camerasso as to take pictures on lines of sight approximately right angularlyto each other, simultaneously actuating said cameras through a commoncontrol in parallel circuit with said cameras, taking a first motionpicture from a, point enabling viewing of said track from the quarterpole to the finish line, simultaneously taking a second motion pictureof the same event at the same time and so that the film in both camerasis simultaneously exposed, said second motion picture bein taken of saidtrack down the straightaway thereof, said cameras bein synchronizedexactly with each other, whereby said cameras take simultaneous picturesof an identical section of track but from a different vantage point withrespect thereto, and projecting both motion pictures by initially placinthe frames having said synchronism markings before the lens of eachrespective projector, simultaneously actuating the respectiveprojectors, and synchronizing said projectors by driving the samethrough a common drive shaft.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 1,810,002 Arnold June 16, 1931 1,950,091 Owens Mar. 6, 19342,040,244.- Ceccarini May 12, 1943 2,335,127 Ling Nov. 23, 19432,348,841 Oswald May 16, 1944 2,523,662 Miller Sept. 26, 1950

